In what is described as one of the most complex underground junctions ever built, WestConnex is a 33-kilometer (21 mi) predominantly underground motorway tunnel network in Sydney. Its walls are lined with two permanent sprayed layers: one is a fiber reinforced primary support lining, the other is a fiber reinforced concrete smoothing layer. Both are reinforced with Dramix® 4D steel fiber for optimal load-bearing capacity.
Like many road tunnels in Australia, these are designed as a drained, permanent sprayed concrete lining tunnel. This was especially relevant for this project, because of the low cover and its permeable nature and the proximity of the Wolli Creek.
A spray applied waterproofing membrane was added between the layers of concrete. Both the primary support lining and the final lining are reinforced with Dramix® 4D steel fibers, providing flexural tensile strength of 40 MPa. The primary lining is about 300 - 350mm thick and the secondary lining is 200-300 mm thick and contains polypropylene fibers for fire resistance. By building the interchange mostly underground, the project will deliver new active transport options in Rozelle: up to 10 hectares of new public parkland, new pedestrian and cycling paths and sports fields.
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